MLS Week 7: What We Learned

NYCFC's David Villa after scoring from just inside midfield against Philadelphia. Photograph by Matt Kremkau

By RYAN BRISTER

It was a fun Week 7 in Major League Soccer with some upsets, comebacks and late drama.

Always Stay Until the End

David Villa’s volley was the best goal of the week, but it was not the most impactful. Three games were decided by goals in second-half stoppage time. Anthony Jackson-Hamel’s late flick, whether he meant it or not, lifted Montreal to its first win over 10-man Atlanta. Cyle Larin scored a late header to keep Orlando’s home record spotless against Los Angeles. San Jose tied Dallas with a 94th minute goal from Jahmir Hyka.

Howard Lands in Trouble

On Friday night, the league suspended Colorado goalkeeper Tim Howard for three games because of an incident involving a fan after the Rapids’ loss in Kansas City. The players’ union, in its statement, was critical of security for allowing the incident to occur.

Howard’s absence might have been the difference for Colorado against Salt Lake on Saturday night. We will never know, but it’s possible that he would have gotten to Brooks Lennon’s game-winner in the 88th minute. Zac MacMath did not, and RSL ended the Rapids’ home unbeaten streak.

SKC’s Formidable Defense

Kansas City pulled off the most impressive win of the weekend, going to Portland and coming out on top. Dom Dwyer scored the early goal in an evenly played match. Tim Melia made four saves, to record his fourth shutout of the season. It’s SKC’s defense that has them undefeated, allowing only two goals in six games.

Montero Haunts the Sounders

It had to be Fredy Montero. Seattle’s career-leading scorer did in his previous club in MLS with a pair of goals for Vancouver on Saturday night. The diminutive forward headed the Whitecaps to a 2-0 lead, but they nearly gave it away. Kendall Waston had to perform some last-ditch defending to preserve the win.

Toronto Stumbles and Falls

It was another disappointing result for Toronto, as it lost to Columbus on Saturday night. There’s no shame in that, but TFC scored first, only to have things slip away before halftime. Ola Kamara and Justin Meram scored the goals for the Crew. It’s the first loss of the year for TFC, but the club also has one win. Michael Bradley was critical of his team’s performance afterward.